Stampedes: Hunger Has Turned Nigeria To Somalia – Akeredolu’s Widow Laments

Former First Lady of Ondo State, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has lamented over the economic hardship in Nigeria.

She said the country has become like war-torn Somalia due to widespread hunger.

Anyanwu-Akeredolu shared her concern over the country’s situation via a post on her X account on Sunday.

She spoke against the backdrop of stampedes at palliatives sharing events in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory.

Naija News reports that no fewer than 10 persons including children lost their lives while 10 others sustained injuries during a stampede at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama, Abuja on Saturday.

Also on Saturday, the Anambra State Police Command confirmed that 22 people died in a stampede in Okija, Ihiala Local Government Area of the state during the Obijackson Foundation’s Christmas rice distribution.

Sharing news reports about the incidents, the ex-Ondo first lady said, “Hunger has turned Nigeria to Somalia. This is Ikegwuru (tiring) Situation!”

Ibadan Stampede: Release Ooni Of Ife’s Former Wife – Peter Obi Tells Police

Meanwhile, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest of the former wife of Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, over the Ibadan funfair stampede.

Naija News reported that Police arrested Naomi Shikemi following the death of about 40 children who attended a Christman funfair organized in Oyo State.

In a statement on Sunday, Peter Obi decried that police failed to arrest the political leaders who failed to make policies that would better the lives of citizens.

He argued that acts of goodwill, even when they unintentionally result in unfortunate outcomes, should not be criminalized.

“While still in mourning mood over the precious lives lost due to tragic incidents stemming from the distribution of palliatives, I am deeply pained that such occurrences are a reflection of the severe hunger and poverty currently ravaging our nation. My heartfelt condolences go to the affected families, communities, and states.

“The recent arrest of the organizers of a palliative distribution program in Oyo state, spearheaded by the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, has come to my attention. I want to make a heartfelt appeal to the government to reconsider this action. Acts of goodwill, even when they unintentionally result in unfortunate outcomes, should not be criminalized. This particular initiative was intended to alleviate suffering and bring relief to the people,” he said.

The former governor of Anambra State explained that political leaders must prioritize the citizens through their actions and policies to reduce poverty in the country.

“If accountability is to be sought, it should begin with the leaders and policymakers whose cumulative actions—or inactions—have inflicted the widespread hardship and suffering we see today. It is the systemic failure of governance, not the efforts of well-meaning individuals, that should be scrutinized.

“As a nation, we must collectively retrace our steps and prioritize policies and actions that uplift the lives of our people. Let us redirect our focus toward creating a system where no citizen is left desperate for necessities. In doing so, we can begin to rebuild trust and ensure that tragedies like these are not repeated,” Obi added.